Shell crimping machine



Oct. 9, 1.956 D. D. HUYETT SHELL CRIMPING JVIACHINE Filed Oct. 4,

7 Sheets-Sheet l Oct. 9, 1956 D. D. HUYETT SHELL CRIMPING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 4. 1950 QQN 1 m we Oct. 9, 1956 D. D. HUYETT 2, ,7

SHELL CRIMPING MACHINE Filed Oct. 4, 1950 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 LICK, 3.

Oct. 9, 1956 D. D. HUYETT SHELL CRIMPING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 mg" QQ Filed Oct. 4, 1950 Q m Q GHQ I) L Now J= a =a :M I N a N f \lllilli- Q i D D. HUYETT SHELL CRIMPING MACHINE Oct. 9, 1956 7 Shee'ts-Shet 5 Filed Oct. 4. 1950 9 Km Q u Hg Q mm & mm

m UHg Qm may mm Nu Oct. 9, 1956 D. D. HUYETT SHELL CRIMPING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Oct. 4, 1950,

7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Oct. 4,

mm 7 so Now L Q m w mwm m 8 J] L am .H (.IIC m TQQN 2N $3 Q v o \WNN J may \0 ms N8 sum 3 Nb United SHELL CRIMPING MACHINE Daniel D. Huyett, Wilmington, Del., assignor to Atlas Powder Company, Wilmington, Del., a corporation of Delaware Application October 4, 1950, Serial No. 188,310

19 Claims. (Cl. 8639) The present invention relates to new and useful improvements in crimping machines and more particularly to new 7 and useful improvements in crimping machines adapted to crimp a plurality of cylindrical objects, such as blasting caps and the like in one operation.

The present invention is particularly adapted to crimp a plurality of blasting caps. In the manufacture of blasting caps, the shells are partially filled with explosive material and they have plugs inserted therein which carry the fuse and the wires. The plugs must be securely held in the shell to provide a hard tight seal. For this purpose the shells are crimped so as to securely bind the shells and the plugs together. Also, in the manufacture of some types of blasting caps the crimp is made in a portion of the shell which is empty to provide stops to prevent movement of internal parts of the blasting caps.

Prior to the present invention, such articles have usually been crimped one or two at a time. This increases considerably the amount of time and labor needed for the manufacture of blasting caps which are crimped after the component parts are assembled and makes it impossible to use modern production-line methods in the manufacture of blasting caps and the like. Prior crimping methods have included squeezing shells between dies, spinning and swaging operations. Most of these crimping techniques, however, are slow and cumbersome in operation and produce uneven crimps or result in serious weakening of the shell walls.

With the foregoing in mind, the principal object of the present invention is to provide novel apparatus which is operable to crimp simultaneously a plurality of shells quickly and uniformly and which may be constituted as a single station in a production line for the manufacture of blasting caps or the like.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel apparatus for crimping a plurality of shells arranged in close proximity to each other and in which the shells are individually shielded from each other so that there is no danger of the remainder of the shells being affected if one of the shells should explode.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel apparatus which will crimp shells uniformly without undue weakening of the shell walls.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a novel apparatus of the stated character which greatly improves upon prior crimping methods and machinery.

These and other objects of the present invention and the various features and details of the operation and construction thereof are hereinafter more fully set forth and described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a crimping machine made in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the crimping machine shown in Fig. 1;

. Fig. 3 is a rear elevational view of the crimping machine shown in Fig. 1;

Fatented Oct. 9, 1956 Fig. 4 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view taken on line 4-4 Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 55 Fig. 1;

' Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on line 66 Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse sectional view taken on line 7-7 Fig. 2;

Figs. 8 and 9 are enlarged fragmentary sectional views taken on lines 8-8 and 99 respectively, in Fig. 1 showing the arrangement of the driving gears for the crimping mechanism;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged transverse sectional view of the crimping machine taken on line 1010 Fig. 1;

Fig. 11 is an. enlarged fragmentary perspective view partially in section showing the method of supporting and moving the crimping plate;

Fig. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view showing the crimping rings in their normal or starting position;

Fig. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view similar to Fig. 12, with the crimping rings in their extreme limit position;

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a blasting cap before the crimping operation;

Fig. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of a blasting cap after the crimping operation;

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary'sectional view taken on line 16-16 Fig. 15;

Fig. 17 is a diagram showing the path of movement of any one point on the crimping plate during the entire crimping operation; and,

Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram showing the electrical and pneumatic operating controls for the crimping machine.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1 and 2 thereof, reference numeral 20 designates generally an electric motor which drives the crimping machine. Fixedly secured to the drive shaft of the motor 20 is a pulley 21 which drives a second pulley 22 by means of a V-belt or the like 23. The pulley 22 is rotatably mounted on the main drive shaft 24 of the crimping machine and is adapted to be interlocked therewith by means of a clutch operating member 25 as more fully described hereinafter.

The main drive shaft 24 is provided with a brake comprising a brake drum 26 rotatably mounted thereon and adapted normally to be held stationary with respect to the frame of the crimping machine by means of a brake band 27 which encircles the brake drum 26 and has both its ends secured to a bolt 23 as shown in Fig. 7. The belt 28 is adjustably secured by means of a nut 32 to a bracket member 29 which extend upwardly from the frame work of the crimping machine.

Slidably mounted on the main drive shaft 24 centrally of the pulley 22 and the brake drum 26 is the clutch operating member 25. The member 25 is keyed to the shaft 24 and is rotatable therewith. A double acting air cylinder 33 is provided and operates to actuate the clutch operating member 25 longitudinally along the main drive shaft 24 and engage either the pulley 22 or the brake drum 25 with the main drive shaft 24 as more fully described hereinafter. The air cylinder 33 is interconnected with the clutch operating member 25 by means of a yoke 34 which has one end pivotally secured to the end of the piston rod 35 of the air cylinder 33 and its other end engaged within a grove 36 on the periphery of the clutch operating member 25. The yoke 34 is pivotally mounted at its mid-point to the frame work of the crimping machine as indicated at 37 in Figs. 2 and 7.

Secured to the side of the pulley 22 nearest the clutch operating member 25 is a disk type clutch 38 which has one set of disks keyed to the main drive shaft 24 and operating member 25.

' Of the drive shaft 24. i

the other set of disks fixedly mounted in a housing 39 secured to the pulley 22. Application of pressure to the disks of the clutch 38 by the clutch operating member '25'drivably connects the pulley 221 with the drive shaft24.

Alternatively when the clutch operating member 25 is re .of the clutch 38 the pulley. 22 is freely respect to the main drive shaft 24. I Adisk type clutch 42,-similar tothe clutch38 is.se-

cured to the side of the brake drum 26 nearest the. clutchdisk secured to the drive shaft 24while the other set of main drive shaft 24 are interlocked, and when theclutch operating member 2 5 disengages the disks of clutch 42the main drive shaft 24 is rotatable-withrespect to the brake i drum 26. is in its'e'xt'rem'e left hand'position; as indicated in Fig. 2, the pulley 22' has a driving eonnectionwith the main drive Y shaft 24 and the motor operates to drive the shaft 24.

Thus, when the clutch operating member 25 Actuation of. the clutch operatingmmbr :25 to its other extreme position interlocks the brake drum 26 and the main drive shaft 24 thereby effectively stopping rotation An important feature of the present provision of novel mechanism for driving a crimping plate '46 therein which are adapted to receive crimping rings,

7 more fully describedhereinaften. The crimping plate is secured at its lower end. toa pair of'bearing' housings 47 by means of bolts as indicated at 43. (see Figs. Sand 10). Each bearing housing .47 in .turn is carried. by crank pin 49 which extend longitudinallyoutward from a stub I I I shaft 52.- The crank pins 49 are eccentrically positioned predeterminedly with respect to the longitudinal axis of The disk'clutch .42 has one set of moved from pressure applying relationship with the disks rotatable with- .to'the-crimping plate 45 is a spiral motionof increasing radius.

Since in the present machine'it is desirable at-the start. t

of each crimping operation that the crank pins 49 be disposed onto the longitudinal center. lines of the. shafts 53, it is essential that the shafts 52 and 53be rotatedat.

different speeds because if these shafts were driven at the same speed from the described initial starting position of the crank pins-no motion-at'all would, beimparted' to the crimping plate 45 whichwould remain stationary. i On'the'otherhandeven shouldthe shafts 5.2 and 53 be driven at the same speed of rotation from: a starting posi I tion of the crank'pins which is not. on the center line of .inventionis the I l I the stub shafts 52, andthe bearing-housings 47 are rotat- I ably mounted on the crank pin 49 by means of bearings 51. Thus as the stub shafts 52 are rotated in phase the crimping plate 45 is subjected to the circular translation provided to the crank pins 49 thereby causing the crimping edge elements to precess about the shells in engagement therewith to crimp the same.

As shown in Fig. 5, the stub shafts 52 are each rotatably mounted eccentrically within an outer shaft 53 by means of bushings 54. A pair of retaining rings 55 secured in grooves 56 at one end of each stub shaft 52 bears against a bearing cover 57 and prevents longitudinal movement of the stub shafts 52 with respect to the outer shaft 53 in one direction, while a collar 53 secured to the stub sl1afts'52 as indicated at 59 prevents longitudinal movernent of the stub shafts in the opposite direction. The outer shafts 53 are rotatably mounted in the crimper housing 62 by means of bearings 63 at opposite sides thereof. Thus the outer shafts 53 may be rotatably driven with respect to the crimper housing 62 and the stub shafts 52 rotatably driven with respect to the outer shafts 53. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the eccentricity of the crank pins 49 with respect to the stub shafts 52 in the present instance is equal to the eccentricity of the stub shafts 52 with respect to the outer shafts 53. However, this is not essential and there may be some small variation in the amount of eccentricity of these members.

In accordance with the present invention the shafts 52 and 53 are driven, as more particularly described hereinafter, at different speeds of rotation and at the start of each crimping operation the crank pins 49 are positioned on the longitudinal center lines of the associated outer shafts 53 consequently the resultant movement imparted apparent. An important tween thegears 69 and the stub shafts 52.

shafts 52. Thus the outer shafts 53 and the stub shafts 52 are driven in the same direction at slightly different speeds of rotation thereby providing the desired spiral translating movement to the crimping plate 45.

The driving connection between the gears 69 and the stub shafts 52 is provided by disks '73 which are keyed to the stub shafts 52 as indicated at 74. A pin 75 is fixedly secured to each of the gears 69 and extends perpendicularly outward from the face thereof into radial slots 76 provided in the disks 73. A block 77 is secured to the outer end of the pin 75 and has substantially the same width as the widths of the slots 76 so that the block 77 may be slid radially with respect to the disks 73. This is necessary because the gears 69 and the disks 73 have a different axis of rotation. Thus, the rotation of the gears 69 causes similar rotation of the stub shafts 52.

The following is an example of the different gear ratios between the gears connecting the main drive shaft 24 with the outer shafts 53 and the gears connecting the main drive shaft 24 with the stub shafts 52. In this instance the driving gear 64 and the driven gears 66 keyed to the outer shafts 53 each have 31 teeth so that one revolution of the drive shaft 24 rotates the outer shafts 53 an equal amount. The driving gear 68 secured to the main drive shaft 24 has 39 teeth thereon while the gears 69 which drive the stub shafts 52 have 32 teeth so that one revolution of the drive shaft 24 causes the stub shafts 52 to make ;ths of a revolution. From this, it is apparent that sixteen revolutions of the drive shaft 24 causes the outer shaft 53 to make one complete revolution with respect to the stub shaft 52.

' This lag in rotation of the stub shaft 52 with respect to the rotation of the outer shaft 53 means that for feature of the present invention therefore 'is' the provision of means for driving the stub shafts 52 and the outer sh'afts'53. inthe same direction at'different 1 rotary'spee-ds. Figs. S and 9 illustrate one arrangement 'fOf'QCCOmPliShi'Hgthis result. Referring now to Fig. 9, i a spur gear64 i'skeyed to. the-main drive shaft .24'as indi cated-at and rotatably driven thereby. The spur gear 'or'driving gear 64 is driven in a clockwise directionby the main drive shaft 24' and engages a pair. of driven gears.

66 which are keyed to the outer shafts 53-as indicated.

at67. 'Thus'the two outer shafts 53- are driven at thesame speed 'ofrotation. in a counter-clockwise direction. With referenceto Fig. 8, a second spur gear or driving I 'gear' 68 is also'keyed to the main drive shaft 24 and is rotatably' driven thereby; The driving. gear .68: engagesv apair of gears 69.which are ro-tatably mounted on-the outer shafts 53.by' means of bushings 72 and a suitable driving connection, hereinafter described, is providedbe one revolution of the outer shafts 53 the crank pins 49 make less than one complete revolution. Consequently, as the apparatus is driven, the crank pins 49 gradually move outward from the longitudinal axis of the outer shafts 53 until, after eight complete revolutions of the drive shaft 24 the crank pins 49 reach their extreme outward position and then gradually move back to coin: cide with the longitudinal axis of the outer shafts 53 during the next 8 revolutions of the drive shaft 24. Thus every point on the crimping plate 45 is translated in an outward spiral movement for the first eight revolutions of the drive shaft 24 and then translated in an inward spiral movement during the next eight revolutions of the drive shaft 24. It is noted that the various gear ratios given above are only for the purposes of illustration and that any desired gear ratios may be used. Fig. 17 is a greatly enlarged view showing the movement of any one point on the crimping plate during the crimping operation. The outward spiral movement of any point on the crimping plate is shown in full lines and the letters A to H, inclusive, show the position of a given point with respect to its original position 0 at the end of each of the first eight revolutions of the drive shaft. The dotted line indicates the inward spiral movement of any given point of the crimping plate during the next eight revolutions of the main drive shaft. From this it is apparent that during the crimping operation any one point on the crimping plate first moves in an outwardly spiral direction and then moves in an inward spiral direction to return to its original starting point.

The spiral motion of the cranks 49 causes the crimp to be formed progressively in regular increments for each turn of the drive shaft 24. The eight crimping rotations and the change in eccentricity of the crank pin 49 during each rotation is found to give good results with the usual blasting caps. However, this selection may be considered more or less arbitrary since an equally good crimp can be made with more or less rotations without damaging the metal. This progressive crimping action reduces the tendency to tear, twist, crystallize, abrade or other wise damage the metal commonly found in other types of crimps.

Another important feature of the present invention is the provision of mechanisms for stopping the motion of the crimping plate after each crimping operation. In the example above mentioned this will occur after every sixteen revolutions of the main drive shaft 24. In order to start the crimping operation, the double acting air cylinder 33 has its piston forced to the right hand position shown in Fig. 2 causing the clutch operating member to engage the disks of the clutch 38, thereby connecting the pulley 22 with the main drive shaft 24. At the end of the crimping operation or in the embodiment shown after sixteen revolutions of the main drive shaft 24, the air cylinder piston is actuated to the left hand position thereby actuating the clutch operating member 25 to disengage clutch 38 and engage the clutch 42 carried by the brake drum 26 and thereby stop rotation of the main drive shaft 24.

The left hand or brake applying stroke of the air cylinder piston is actuated by means of a micro-switch 78. The forward end of the main drive shaft 24 is secured to a shaft 79 extending outwardly from a gear reduction box 80. In the present instance, the gear reduction box 80 has a reduction ratio of sixteen to one so that a shaft 81 extending outwardly from the forward end of the gear reduction boX 80 completes one revolution for every sixteen revolutions of the main drive shaft. A lever 84 is secured to the shaft 81 of the gear reduction box 80 and is operable to actuate the micro-switch 78 when it is in a predetermined position. The lever 84 is positioned to actuate the micro-switch 78 when the crimping plate 45 is in its central position at the end of a crimping operation. Thus, when the crimping operation is completed, the air cylinder piston 35 which is controlled 6 by the micro-switch 78 is moved to its left hand position thereby stopping rotation of the main drive shaft 24 and also movement of the crimping plate 45.

Still another important feature of the present invention is the mechanism employed to perform the actual crimping of the blasting caps C. The blasting caps C are held in a frame more fully described hereinafter and are inserted into a plurality of openings in the crimper housing 62. A separate opening 85 is provided for each of the blasting caps so that the blasting caps are isolated and shielded from one another during the crimping operation. Thus, if one of the blasting caps should explode while it is being crimped, the remainder of the blasting caps are protected and are not affected by the explosion.

The blasting cap is crimped as indicated at 86 in Figs. l3, l5 and 16 by a central crimping ring 87 carried in the crimping plate 45 and a pair of outer crimping rings 88 and 89 supported by the crimper housing 62 and a cover plate 90 respectively. The cover plate 90, in addition to supporting the crimping ring 89 also has a plurality of funnel shaped openings 93 therein which guide the blasting caps C into position centrally of the crimping rings. The cover plate 90 is secured to the crimper housing 62 by a plurality of bolts as indicated at 94.

The crimping rings 88 and 89 each have a single crimping edge 88a and 89a respectively thereon which extend radially inward from their inner surface. Flat portions 88b and 89b at the end portion of the inner surface of the crimping rings 88 and 89, respectively, serve to counteract the tendency of the blasting cap to swell directly beneath the bottom crimp and also to roll in the flared mouth portion of the blasting cap. The central crimping ring 87 has two crimping surfaces 87a extending radially inward from its inner surface. The internal diameter of these crimping surfaces is approximately the same as the external diameter of the blasting cap and as the crimping plate 45 begins its outward spiral movement during the crimping operation the crimping surfaces 87a are forced radially inward into the blasting cap to form the central crimps. At the same time, the blasting cap is forced against the crimping surfaces 88a and 89a to form the two outer crimps. The stationary crimping rings 88 and 89 react against the blasting cap with the same force applied to it by the rotary crimping ring 87 and thus form crimps equal in depth by those formed by the latter.

Extending inwardly into the openings 85 from the forward end of the crimping machine are a plurality of stops 95 which are adjustably secured to a cross frame member 96 extending transversely of the crimping machine. The stops 95 have a threaded portion 97 at one end thereof which is threaded in the openings 98 in the cross frame member 96 and securely locked therein by a lock nut 99. The other end of the stop 95 has an enlarged head portion 102 thereon which serves to limit the forward position of the blasting caps C. The enlarged head portion 102 of the stops 95 has a plurality of slots or channels 103 extending longitudinally thereof which serve as vent openings in case the blasting cap explodes.

The cross frame member 96 is adjustable longitudinally of the crimping machine to allow the limit position of the stops 95 to be readily adjusted for different lengths of blasting caps. The cross frame member 96 is carried on slides 104 at each side of the crimper housing 62 which serve to guide the cross frame member when it is being adjusted. Rotatably mounted on the cross frame member 96 and extending transversely of the crimping machine is a shaft 105 which has bevel gears 106 fixedly secured thereto at each end. The bevel gears 106 engage a second pair of bevel gears 107 secured to a pair of threaded shafts 108 which extend through the cross frame member longitudinally of the machine. The threaded shafts 108 are adjustably secured to a pair of sleeves 109, mounted for limited axial movement in the crimper housing 62.

The sleeves 109 are supported in openings 111 at each end of the crimper housing 62 and have shoulder portions 112 thereon which serve to limit the forward position of the sleeves 109 and also prevent rotation thereof. Springs 113 bearing against and reacting on the cover plate and the shoulder portions 112 of the sleeves 109 keep the sleeves in their forward limit position with respect to the crimper housing 62. The cross frame 96 may be moved rearwardly with respect to the crimper housing 62 against the pressure of the springs 113 to force the blasting caps out of the openings 85 after the crimping operation. Normally, the blasting caps C are automatically withdrawn from the openings 85 at the end of the crimping operation but occasionally a blasting cap may be stuck in one of the the openings 85. When this happens, the operator of the crimping machine simply pulls the cross head member rearwardly with respect to the crimper housing to free the blasting cap.

In accordance with the present invention, the blasting caps C are carried in a frame 115 constructed, for example, as shown in Figs. 1 and 4. The frame 115 is arranged to support a plurality of blasting caps extending outwardly from the forward edge thereof. Each blasting cap is inserted and crimped in the crimping machine at the same time. Extending transversely of the crimping machine and mounted for limited longitudinal movement with respect thereto, is a table 116 which supports the frame 115. Apair of conveyors 117 and 118 as indicated in Figs. 1 and 3 may be .used to feed the frame 115 to the crimping machine and remove it therefrom. A plurality of rollers 119 is positioned along each edge of the table 116 and allows the frame 115 to be easily positioned thereon.

As shown in Fig. 1, a latch member 122 extends outwardly from the face of the table 116 and is adapted to determine the position of the frame 115 thereon. The latch 122 is slidably mounted on the feed end of the roller table for limited longitudinal movement and is interconnected with a second latch member 123 mounted in a similar manner at the discharge end of the table. The latch members 122 and 123 operate to position the frame 115 with respect to the crimping machine and prevent transverse movement of the frame. A pair of longitudinal link members 124 and 125 are fixedly secured at their forward end to the latches 122 and 123, respectively, and are pivotally mounted at their outer ends in axial slots 126 and 127 formed in a pair of transverse link members 128 and 129 respectively. The transverse link members 123 and 129 are pivotally mounted at their mid points as indicated at 132 and 133 respectively. A pin 134 pivotally connects the inner portions of the transverse link members 128 and 129 and extends downwardly from the lower surface thereof. A spring 135 is secured to a bolt 136 which extends through the table supporting frame (more fully described hereinafter) and has its other end secured to the lower portion of the pin 134.

The spring 135 maintains the central portions of the transverse links 128 and 129 in their outer position which in turn forces the latch members 122 and 123 to their inner position thus preventing transverse movement of the frame 115 with respect to the crimping machine. The latches 122 and 123 may be released from engagement with the frame 115 by starting to slide a second frame onto the table 116. The forward end of the second frame bears against the biased outer edge of the link 122 and forces it outward with respect to the table. The latch 123 is actuated in a similar manner through the linkage connection as previously described and thus the frame 115 may be removed from the table.

The table 116 is carried on a slide 137 which in turn is supported on a pair of guide members 138 and 139. The slide 137 has grooves 142 and 143 at each side thereof which are adapted to receive extensions 144 and 145 of the guide members 138 and 139 respectively. The

slide 137 is mounted for longitudinal movement on the guide members 138 and 139 to bring the blasting caps into contact with the crimping mechanism.

As shown in Figs. 2 and 4, actuation of the slide 137 and table 116 is effected by a double acting air cylinder 146 which is secured to the frame work of the crimping machine by bolts as indicated at 147. The air cylinder piston 149 has its inner end fixedly secured to a dashpot cylinder 150 which, in turn, is carried by a bracket member 152 secured to the slide 137. The dashpot piston 153 is secured to the crimper frame as indicated at 154 and operates to slow down inward movement of the table 116. Thus actuation of the air cylinder 146 operates to bring the blasting caps C into engagement with the crimping mechanism. The outward stroke of the double-acting air cylinder 146 is controlled by a micro-switch 155 which is operated by the operator of the crimping machine. The micro-switch 155 is secured to the frame work of the crimping machine and is actuated by a lever 156 pivotally mounted to the frame work as indicated at 157 and extends outwardly of the crimping machine through a slot 158 in the crimper framework.

Depending downwardly from the table 116 is a bracket member 159 to which is adjustably secured a shaft 160. The shaft 160 may be moved longitudinally of the crimper machine along with the table 116. The shaft 160 has a roller 162 extending downwardly therefrom which operates a microswitch 163. The micro-switch 163 actuates the piston of the air cylinder 33 to its right hand position (Fig. 2) which in turn engages the clutch 38 connecting the main drive shaft 24 with the pulley 22 as previously described. Thus movement of the table 116 to its inner position engages the main drive shaft 24 with the pulley 22 and starts the crimping operation.

Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram showing the electrical and pneumatic operating controls for the crimping machine. The double acting air cylinder 146 is controlled by a pair of valves 164 and 165 which admit air to the outer or inner end, respectively, of the double acting air cylinder 146 to force the piston thereof to its forward or rearward position. The valves 164 and 165 are operated by a walking beam 166 pivotally mounted at its mid point and adapted to engage the valve operating arms 164a and 165a. The position of the walking beam 166 is controlled by a pair of solenoids 167 and 168. Relays 169 and 170 energize or deenergize the solenoids 167 and 168. The relays 169 and 1'79 are actuated by relay coils 171 and 172 respectively.

Closing the starting switch 155 momentarily completes the circuit to the relay coil 171 and raises the relay 169. Energizing the relay coil 171 breaks the circuit through contacts 173 and 174 and completes a circuit through contacts 176 and 1'77. Opening the circuit between contacts 173 and 174 breaks the holding circuit for the relay coil 172 allowing the relay 170 to drop thereby closing the holding circuit for the relay coil 171 through contacts 178 and 179 and maintaining the relay 171. energized after the starting switch 155 is opened. The holding circuit for relay coil 171 is from a buss 182 at one side of the line, through the relay coil 171, and then through conductors 183 and 184, contacts 178 and 179, and conductor 185 to the buss 186 at the other side of the line. When relay 169 is in its upper position, the circuit to solenoid 167 is completed through the buss 182 at one side of the line, conductor 137, the contacts 176 and 177, conductor 188, through the solenoid coil 167 and conductor 189, and then to the buss 186 on the other side of the line.

Energizing solenoid 167 causes the walking beam 166 to be pivoted in a clockwise direction about its mid point thereby opening the valve 164- and allowing air to enter the outer end of the double acting air cylinder 14-6. The piston of the double acting air cylinder 146 is thereby forced forward bringing the blasting caps into contact ,with the crimping mechanism and at the same time the roller 162 on the shaft 160 momentarily closes the microswitch 163.

The double acting air cylinder 33 which positions the clutch operating member 25 is controlled by a pair of valves 191 and 192 which admit air to the right hand and left hand ends respectively of the air cylinder 33 to force the piston thereof to its left hand or right hand position. The valves 191 and 192 are operated by a walking beam 193 pivotally mounted at its mid point and adapted to engage the valve-operating arms 191a and 192a. Solenoids 194 and 195 actuated by relays 196 and 197 respectively are provided to position the walking beam 193 with respect to the valve-operating arms 191a and 192a. Relay coils 193 and 199 actuate the relays 196 and 197 respectively. Closing the micro-switch 163 energizes the relay coil 199 which raises the relay 197, opening the circuit through contacts 201 and 202 and closing the circuit through contacts 203 and 204. The contacts 201 and 202 are a part of the holding circuit for the relay 196, and opening the circuit through these contacts deenergizes the relay coil 198 allowing the relay 196 to drop to its lower position thereby closing the holding circuit for the relay 197 through contacts 205 and 206.

When the relay 197 is in its upper position, the circuit to solenoid 195 is closed which rotates the walking beam 193 in a counterclockwise direction, opening the valve 192 and admitting air to the left hand end of the double acting air cylinder 33. This forces the clutch operating member 25 to the left interlocking the main drive shaft 24 with the pulley 22 as previously described thereby starting the crimping operation. The circuit to the solenoid 195 is from the buss 182 at one side of the line through conductor 208, contacts 203 and 204, conductor 209, through the solenoid coil 195, conductor 210 and then to the buss 186 at the other side of the line.

After the crimping operation is completed as previously described, the lever 84 secured to the shaft 81 of the gear reduction box 80 actuates the micro-switch 78 which completes the circuit to the relay coil 198. Energizing the relay coil 198 raises the relay 196 thereby opening the circuit through the contacts 205 and 206, which is part of the holding circuit for the relay 197 and allows the relay 197 to drop and deenergize the solenoid 195. At the same time, the solenoid 194 is energized. The circuit of the solenoid 194 is from the buss 182 at one side of the line, through conductor 208, through contacts 213 and 214, conductor 215, through the solenoid coil 194, conductor 216, conductor 217 and back to buss 186 at the other side of the line. Energizing the relay coil 194 causes the walking beam 193 to rotate in a clockwise direction thereby allowing the valve 192 to close and opening Valve 191. This admits air to the right hand end of the double acting air cylinder 33 and forces the piston thereof to its left hand position. During this stroke of the piston of the double acting air cylinder 33, the brake drum 26 is interlocked with the main drive shaft 24 as previously described thereby stopping rotation of the main drive shaft 24 and also stopping the crimping operation.

The left hand stroke of the piston of the double acting air cylinder 33 causes a roller 220 carried by an extension of the yoke 34 to momentarily close the micro-switch 221. Closing the micro-switch 221 energizes the relay coil 172 which raises the relay 170 and opens the holding circuit for relay 171 thereby deenergizing the solenoid 167. At the same time, the solenoid 168 is energized, the circuit being from the buss 182 at one side of the line, through conductor 187, contacts 222 and 223, conductor 224, through the solenoid coil 168, conductor 217 and then to the buss 186 at the other side of the line. Energizing solenoid 168 rotates the walking beam 166 in a counterclockwise direction thereby allowing valve 164 to close and opening valve 165. Opening the valve 165 admits air to the left hand end of the double acting air 10 cylinder 146 forcing the piston 149 thereof to its right hand position thereby moving the table 116 outwardly and withdrawing the blasting caps from engagement with the crimping mechanism to complete one cycle of operation of the machine.

From the foregoing, it will be observed that the present invention provides novel crimping apparatus which is entirely automatic in operation, and which crimps a plurality of shells at the same time quickly and evenly. Furthermore, the present invention provides novel crimping apparatus which crimps a plurality of shells at the same time without undue weakening of the shell walls and separately shields each of the shells. While certain embodiments of the prevent invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is not intended to limit the invention to such disclosures and changes and modifications may be incorporated and embodied therein within the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. In apparatus for crimping a plurality of shells, a crimping plate comprising means providing a plurality of crimping edges disposed in the same plane and having concave contours along their lengths, a member mounted adjacent said crimping plate providing stationary crimping edges having concave contours along their lengths and arranged in correspondence with said plate crimping edges, and driving means operatively connected to said crimping plate and actuatable to translate said crimping plate and cause said crimping edges to engage the shells and crimp the same.

2. In apparatus for crimping a plurality of shells, a crimping plate comprising means providing a plurality of crimping edges disposed in the same plane and having concave contours along their lengths, a member mounted adjacent said crimping plate providing stationary crimping edges having concave contours along their lengths and arranged in correspondence with said plate crimping edges, and driving means operatively connected to said crimping plate and actuatable to translate said crimping plate and cause said plate crimping edges to engage the shells and crimp the same and simultaneously engage adjacent portions of the shells against said stationary crimping edges to produce crimps in said adjacent shell portions.

3. In apparatus for crimping a plurality of shells, a crimping plate comprising means providing a plurality of crimping edges disposed in the same plane and having concave contours along their lengths, a member mounted adjacent each side of said crimping plate providing stationary crimping edges having concave contours along their lengths and arranged in correspondence with and at opposite sides of each plate crimping edge, and driving means operatively connected to said crimping plate and actuatable to translate said crimping plate in a spiral path to cause said plate crimping edges to engage the shells and crimp the same and simultaneously engage adjacent portions of the shells against said stationary crimping edges to produce other crimps in said adjacent shell portions.

4. In apparatus for crimping a plurality of shells, a crimping plate having a plurality of openings therein, a crimping ring mounted in each opening of said plate, stationary crimping rings positioned adjacent opposite sides of each plate crimping ring, and driving means to translate said crimping plate in a spiral path to cause said plate crimping rings to engage the shells and crimp the same and simultaneously engage adjacent portions of the shells against said stationary crimping rings to produce other crimps in said adjacent shell portions.

5. In apparatus for crimping a plurality of shells, a crimping plate having a plurality of openings therein, a crimping ring mounted in each opening of said crimping plate, stationary crimping rings positioned adjacent opposite sides of each plate crimping ring, crimping edges extending radially inward from the peripheries of openings in said crimping rings, and driving means to translate said crimping plate in a spiral path to cause the crimping edges on said crimpng'rings to engage the shells and crimp the same and simultaneously engaging adjacent portions of the shells against the crimping edges of said stationary crimping rings to produce other crimps in said adjacent shell portions.

6. In apparatus for crimping shells comprising means for fixedly holding in spaced relation a plurality of shells,

a crimping plate containing .a plurality of crimping edges 7 having concave contours along their lengths spaced to enclose said shells individually, means providing stationary crimping edges having concave contours aiong the lengths disposed adjacent said plate crimping edges, and driving means to translate said crimping plate and cause said plate crimping edges to engage the shells and crimp the same and simultaneously engage adjacent portions of the shells against said stationary crimping edges to produce crimps in said adjacent shell portions.

7. In apparatus for crimping a plurality of shells, a crimping plate having a plurality of openings therein, a crimping ring mounted in each opening of said plate, stationary crimping rings positioned adjacent opposite sides of each, plate crimping ring, crimping edges extending radially inward from the peripheries of openings in said crimping rings, and driving means to translate said crimping plate in a spiral path to cause the crimping edges on said crimping rings to engage the shells and crimp the same and simultaneously engaging adjacent portions. of the shells against the crimping edges of said stationary crimping rings to produce other'crimps in said adjacent shell portions, and flat portions along the outer part of the peripheries of the openings in said stationary crimping rings operable to engage the outerv surface of the shells and prevent the shells from bulging adjacent the crimped portions.

8. In apparatus for crimping a plurality of shells, a pair of tubular shafts rotatably mounted in said apparatus, stub shafts rotatably mounted eccentrically in said tubular shafts, eccentric'crank pins extending outwardly from one end of each of said stub shafts, a crimping plate secured on said crank pins and comprising means providing a plurality of crimping edges having concave contours along their lengths, means adjacent said crimping plate providing stationary crimping edges having concave contours along their lengths disposed at opposite sides of each plate crimping edge, and driving means to rotate said stub shafts and said tubular shafts in the same direction at dilferent rotary speeds to translate said crimping plate in a spiral path causing the crimping edges of said crimping plate to engage the shells and crimp the same and simultaneously engaging adjacent portions of the shells against said stationary crimping edges to produce other crimps in said adjacent shell portions.

9. ln apparatus for crimping a plurality of shells, a pair of tubular shafts rotatably mounted in said apparatus,

stub shafts rotatably mounted eccentrically in said tubular I shafts, eccentric crank pins extending outwardly from one end of each said stub shafts, a crimping plate secured on said crank pins and having a plurality of openings therein, a crimping ring mounted in each opening of said plate, stationary crimping rings positioned adjacent opposides of each plate crimping ring, and driving means to rotate said stub shafts and said tubular shafts in the same direction at different rotary speeds to translate said crimping plate in a generally spiral path to cause the crimping rings to engage the shells and crimp the same and simultaneously engaging adjacent portions of the shells against the stationary crimping rings to produce other crimps in said adjacent shell portions.

l0. In apparatus for crimping a plurality of shells comprising means to support the shells against lateral trans lation, a crimping plate adjacent said shell support means and comprising means providing a plurality of crimping edges disposed in the same plane and having concave contours along their lengths, means adjacent said plate providing stationary crimping edges having concave contours along their lengths disposed at opposite sides of each plate crimping edge, driving means to translate said crimping plate in a spiral path and cause the crimping edges thereon to engage the shells and crimp the same, a vfeed table to support a plurality of shells in predetermined positions relative to the crimping edges on said plate, and mechanism operable to actuate said feed table toward and away from said crimping plate respectively to position the shells for engagement of the crimping edges thereof and thereafter withdraw the shells.

H. in apparatus for crimping a plurality of shells comprising means to support'the shells against lateral translation, a crimping plate adjacent said shell support means and comprising means providing a plurality of crimping edges, driving means to translate said crimping plate to cause the crimping edges thereon to engage the shells and crimp the same, a feed table to support a plurality of shells in predetermined positions relative to the crimping edges on said plate, mechanism operable to actuate said feed table toward and away from said crimping plate respectively to position the shells for engagement of the crimping plate thereon and thereafter Withdraw the shells, clutch mechanism to engage said driving means with said crimping plate, brake means actuatable to stop the motion of the crimping plate, and control means operable automatically upon actuation of the feed table into the shell crimping position with respect to the crimping plate to actuate said clutch mechanism and engage said crimping plate with said driving means.

12. Apparatus according to claim ll wherein a second control means is provided operable automatically following a predetermined period of operation of the crimping plate to actuate said clutch mechanism and engage said driving means with said brake means.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein a third control means is provided which is operable automatically to initiate Withdrawal of the feed table upon engagement of said brake means with said drive means.

14. In apparatus for crimping a plurality of shells, a

crimping plate having a plurality of openings therein, a

crimping ring mounted in each opening of said plate, stationary crimping rings positioned adjacent opposite sides of each plate crimping ring, driving means to translate said crimping plate in a spiral path and cause said crimping rings to engage the shells and crimp the same, a feed table to support a plurality of shells in predetermined positions relative to the crimping edges on said plate, mechanism operable to actuate said feed table toward and away from said crimping plate to respectively position the shells for engagement of the crimping edges thereof and thereafter Withdraw the shells, clutch mechanism to engage said driving means with said crimping plate, brake means actuatable to stop the motion of the crimping plate, control means operable automatically upon actuation of the feed table in the shell crimping position with respect to the crimping plate to actuate said clutch mechanism and engage said crimping plate with said driving means, a second control means operable automatically following a predetermined period of operation of the crimping plate to actuate said clutch mechanism and engage said driving means with said brake means, a third control means operable automatically to initiate Withdrawal of the feed table upon engagement of said brake means with said drive means.

15. In apparatus for crimping a plurality of shells, a crimping plate comprising means providing a plurality of crimping edges having concave contours along their lengths, means adjacent said plate providing stationary crimping edges having concave contours along their lengths disposed at opposite sides of each plate crimping edge, means supporting said stationary crimping edges having a plurality of openings therein adapted to receive the shells and thereby shield the shells from each other, and driving means to translate said crimping plate in a spiral path to cause said plate crimping edges to engage the shells and crimp the same simultaneously engaging adjacent portions of the shells against said stationary crimping edges to produce other crimps in said adjacent shell portions.

16. In apparatus for crimping a plurality of shells, a crimping plate having a plurality of openings therein, a crimping ring mounted in each opening of said crimping plate, stationary crimping rings positioned adjacent pposite sides of each plate crimping ring, crimping edges extending radially inward from the peripheries of openings in said crimping rings, means supporting said sta tionary crimping rings having a plurality of openings therein adapted to receive the shells and thereby shield the shells from each other, and driving means to translate said crimping plate in a spiral path to cause the crimping edges on said crimping rings to engage the shells and crimp the same and simultaneously engaging adjacent portions of the shells against the crimping edges of said stationary crimping rings to produce other crimps in said adjacent shell portions.

17. In apparatus for crimping a plurality of shells, a crimping plate comprising means providing a plurality of crimping edges having concave contours along their lengths, means adjacent said plate providing stationary crimping edges having concave contours along their lengths disposed at opposite sides of each plate crimping edge, adjustable stops operatively associated with said crimping edges to position said shells with respect to said crimping edges, and driving means operatively connected to said crimping plate and actuatable to translate said crimping plate in a spiral path to cause said plate crimping edges to engage the shells and crimp the same simultaneously engaging adjacent portions of the shells against said stationary crimping edges to produce other crimps in said adjacent shell operations.

18. In apparatus for crimping a plurality of shells, a crimping plate having a plurality of openings therein, a

14 crimping ring mounted in each opening of said plate, sta= tionary crimping rings positioned adjacent opposite sides of each plate crimping ring, a portion of the apparatus housing supporting said stationary crimping edges having a plurality of openings therein adapted to receive the shells and thereby shield the shells from each other, stops disposed in said housing openings operative to position said shells with respect to said crimping edges, and driving means to translate said crimping plate in a spiral path to cause said plate crimping rings to engage the shells and crime the same, simultaneously engaging adjacent portions of the shells against said stationary crimping rings to produce other crimps in said adjacent shell portions.

19. In apparatus for crimping simultaneously a plurality of shells comprising means to support the shells against lateral translation, a pair of tubular shafts rotatably mounted in said apparatus, stub shafts rotatably mounted eccentrically in said tubular shafts, eccentric crank pins extending outwardly from one end of each of said stub shafts, a crimping plate adjacent said shell support means and secured to said crank pins and comprising means providing a plurality of crimping edges having concave contours along their lengths, drive mechanism including a drive shaft, transmission means interconnecting said drive shaft with said tubular shafts, a disk having a radial slot therein secured to each of said stub shafts, and a pin extending outwardly from said transmission means disposed in the radial slots in each of said disks to rotationally drive said stub shafts.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,469,426 Anthony May 10, 1949 2,541,361 Huyett Feb. 13, 1951 2,637,366 Ashworth May 5, 1953 

